National Emphasis Program (NEP)

OSHA has updated the National Emphasis Program (NEP) to focus on preventing trenching and excavation collapses in response to a spike in trenching fatalities. The program began October 1,2018 and is working to increase education and enforcement efforts. The press release highlighted the new educational resources available on OSHA.gov.

OSHA has a number of compliance assistance materials to help, including:

Audio public service announcements recorded by U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta in English and Spanish that highlight effective ways to stay safe when working around trenches and excavations.

OSHA’s revised “Protect Workers in Trenches” poster provides a quick reminder of the three ways to prevent dangerous trench collapses: SLOPE or bench trench walls, SHORE trench walls with supports, or SHIELD trench walls with trench boxes. The poster is available in English and Spanish.